What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 25, 2016

Housing Starts, Building Permits Issued Rise

Commerce Department reports on housing starts and building permits issued were released Tuesday. Housing starts rose to 1.189 million in June against expectations of 1.165 million starts and May’s downwardly revised reading of 1.135 million starts, Housing starts rose by 4.80 percent on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. This is good news for housing markets, but analysts said that demand for homes continued to exceed available supplies.

Building permits issued also rose in June to 1.53 million as compared to May’s reading of 1.136 million permits issued.

Existing Home Sales Increase: National Association of Realtors®

Sales of previously-owned homes rose three percent year-over-year and reached their highest level since February 2007 in June. Existing home sales rose by 1.10 percent in June to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million sales. Analysts forecasted a reading of 5.48 million sales of pre-owned homes based on May’s reading of 5.51 million sales.

Analysts said that first-time home buyers are returning to housing markets and helped boost June sales and cited changing buyer demographics that suggest a return to owner-occupant home sales. First-time buyers accounted for 33 percent of pre-owned home sales in July, which was their highest reading since 2012. First-time buyers are important to housing markets as their purchases of existing homes enable current homeowners to sell their homes to buy larger homes or to relocate.

Mortgage Rates Rise, New Jobless Claims Fall

Mortgage rates rose across the board last week according to Freddie Mac’s weekly report. Rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.45 percent, which was three basis points higher. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage also rose three basis points to 2.75 percent; rates for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage averaged 2.78 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed-rate mortgage and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

New jobless claims sustained their streak and fell last week to 253,000 against predictions of 260,000 new claims filed and the prior week’s reading of 254,000 new claims filed. Analysts hailed declining jobless claims as a strong indicator that the economy and labor markets continue to improve. New jobless claims have remained below the key reading of 300,000 for 73 weeks. The four-week rolling average of new jobless claims fell by 1250 claims to 257,750. This reading is considered less volatile than week-to-week readings and offers evidence of steady improvements in labor markets.

What’s Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic news includes the S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Index, readings on new and pending home sales and the FOMC committee’s post-meeting statement on Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions. Analysts widely expect the Fed to hold firm on its current federal funds rate of 0.25 to 0.50 percent.

Weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will be released along with a reading on consumer confidence.

8104 E Petra Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$599,490
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,264 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781580
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A collection of brand-new single-family homes located in the master-planned community in Mesa, AZ. The community feeds into the highly rated Gilbert Public School District, making this an ideal place for growing households. There are many onsite amenities at the masterplan everyone will enjoy, including a swimming pool, basketball court, pickleball court, playground and picnic area. Commuters have easy access to Loop 202 and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for travel accommodations. This beautiful home features our platinum package including Sonoma Maple Linen Cabinets and quartz countertops. Super luxury 8 x 36 tile flooring. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

20305 W Turney Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$599,343 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Victory At Verrado Villas, Buckeye
New
$599,343
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,705 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788262
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully designed Copeland plan features our signature Loft-inspired 'Looks' collection, offering a cohesive and sophisticated interior design. The great room boasts a 12' multi-slider leading to a spacious covered patio, perfect for indoor/outdoor living. The kitchen shines with a large island, pendant lighting, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and GE Profile stainless steel appliances, including a wall oven. Retreat to the exquisite primary suite with double walk-in closets and a resort-style bath featuring a no-step shower with a rain shower head and double vanity. Wood-look tile flooring, ceiling fans, blinds, and Solar are all included. Don't miss your chance to make this gem yours! ***Up to $20K can be applied towards closing cost OR short / long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply

286 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$599,132
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,678 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6644003
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to a brand new Valletta model. It has an expansive layout and this home is illuminated by an abundance of natural light. The kitchen stands fully equipped with modern stainless steel appliances and elegant granite countertops. With a culinary connoisseur's dream at its heart, including a gas cooktop, it's an ideal setting for hosting and delighting your guests. Both bathrooms have undergone exquisite upgrades, featuring tile surrounds and elevated fixtures. A few upgrades include quartz countertops at kitchen and bathrooms, huge sliding door at patio, gourmet kitchen appliances and a large smart space. Start living the good life at Encanterra today!

7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive Unit 1 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$599,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
6,252 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6723737
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Soak up desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat with a wrap-around balcony & walls of glass. Sleek, contemporary architecture creates seamless indoor-outdoor living, starting in the spacious great room. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances & a quartz waterfall island. The dining table & executive bar make entertaining easy, as does the cooled whiskey and wine room. The primary suite features a fireplace, wine fridge & doors to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a soaking tub, tiled shower, dual sinks & a makeup vanity. An office & game room opens to the infinity pool & patio. The home, which includes an elevator, comes fully furnished & professionally decorated.

7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive Unit 2 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$599,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
6,252 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6723860
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Soak up desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat with a wrap-around balcony & walls of glass. Sleek, contemporary architecture creates seamless indoor-outdoor living, starting in the spacious great room. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances & a quartz waterfall island. The dining table & executive bar make entertaining easy, as does the cooled whiskey and wine room. The primary suite features a fireplace, wine fridge & doors to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a soaking tub, tiled shower, dual sinks & a makeup vanity. An office & game room opens to the infinity pool & patio. The home, which includes an elevator, comes fully furnished & professionally decorated.

7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive Unit 3 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$599,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
6,252 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6723861
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Soak up desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat with a wrap-around balcony & walls of glass. Sleek, contemporary architecture creates seamless indoor-outdoor living, starting in the spacious great room. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances & a quartz waterfall island. The dining table & executive bar make entertaining easy, as does the cooled whiskey and wine room. The primary suite features a fireplace, wine fridge & doors to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a soaking tub, tiled shower, dual sinks & a makeup vanity. An office & game room opens to the infinity pool & patio. The home, which includes an elevator, comes fully furnished & professionally decorated.

7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive Unit 4 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$599,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
6,252 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6723862
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New co-ownership opportunity: Own 1/8 of this turnkey home, professionally managed by Pacaso. Soak up desert views in this gated mountaintop retreat with a wrap-around balcony & walls of glass. Sleek, contemporary architecture creates seamless indoor-outdoor living, starting in the spacious great room. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances & a quartz waterfall island. The dining table & executive bar make entertaining easy, as does the cooled whiskey and wine room. The primary suite features a fireplace, wine fridge & doors to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a soaking tub, tiled shower, dual sinks & a makeup vanity. An office & game room opens to the infinity pool & patio. The home, which includes an elevator, comes fully furnished & professionally decorated.

5618 W Hardtack Trail Laveen, AZ 85339

$599,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,971 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775155
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You'll FALL IN LOVE The Moment You Step Into This Grand Entrance With 2 STORY HIGH CEILINGS*NEUTRALPalette*Lots Of TILE Flooring*CLOVER Plan Has Room For Everyone*8 FT. Interior DOORS*GREAT Room W/Sliders+Open To ISLAND KITCHEN Featuring GRANITE Counters,42'' BIRCH Cabinets, GAS Stove,WALK-IN Pantry, SS Refrigerator STAYS*Formal DINING For Fun Gatherings*1BR/BA Down*Staircase Opens To LOFT*PRIMARY Suite Has PRIVATE BATH W/Separate Tub+Shower, WALK-IN Closet*Secondary Bedrooms Have MOUNTAIN VIEWS+Walk-In Closets*FLEX Room In Lieu Of 3rd Car*Extended PATIO*Backyard Is Ready For Your DESIGN+CREATIVITY*4 FT Garage EXTENSION*Xtra Insulation*Greenbelt 3 Doors Away*PLAYGROUND Around The Corner*SCHOOL Right Down The Street*Easy FREEWAY Access*LIKE NEW Condition*THE PERFECT PLACE TO CALL HOME!!

9374 W Sandstone Mountain Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$599,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,425 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785934
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning New 2024 home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated office, along with a spacious 3-car garage, all set on a full-acre lot in a highly sought-after area just minutes from I-10. Experience the open & inviting layout designed to make the most of every square foot. The kitchen shines with elegant Shaker-style white cabinets, luxurious Quartz countertops, modern stainless steel appliances & pantry. Relax in the bright Great room, which offers flexible options for dining or entertainment. Stylish neutral tile flows through the main high-traffic areas, while cozy carpeting enhances the bedrooms. Retreat to the expansive Primary suite, complete with a primary bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. Other features include fully fenced yard with block walls. Back shady patio and an expansive enclosed back yard with endless possibilities. HOA permits R.V.'s, Boats and other recreational vehicles for a low 30 per month. This treasure is ready for immediate occupancy.

2118 E Voltaire Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$599,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,754 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772448
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. The Wren showcases a generous backyard and second floor deck to bring the outside in.

10556 S 297th Avenue Palo Verde, AZ 85343

$599,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,312 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6666831
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning semi-custom residence spans over 2,300 sqft and is nestled on a generous 1-acre lot, free from HOA restrictions. Inside, you'll find a beautifully designed split floor plan featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Each room offers direct bathroom access with premium showers, ensuring comfort and convenience for everyone. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, equipped with SS appliances and elegant finishes. Step outside to enjoy the charm and privacy provided by the farm-style fencing. We warmly invite all buyers and buyer's agents to tour this remarkable property. Experience unmatched elegance and comfort!

4380 W Eagle Street Show Low, AZ 85901

$599,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,632 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730924
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the beauty of White Mountain living in this furnished cabin located in the exclusive Eagle Mountain Estates. Built in 2020, this home showcases exceptional craftsmanship throughout its 3-bedroom, 2-bath layout. Set on a naturally landscaped lot with engineered drainage for peace of mind, this cabin offers oversized covered porches both in the front and back—ideal for taking in the serene surroundings and outdoor living year round. Inside, you'll find splendid features including granite countertops, custom cabinets, and elegant tile work. The vaulted ceilings add a sense of spaciousness to the home. Located in a peaceful, gated community, this cabin provides a perfect blend of tranquility and stylish amenities. Welcome home!